White House opposes House's $570B defense bill

Jun. 17, 2014 - 06:21PM
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WASHINGTON — The White House is objecting to the House's $570 billion defense spending bill, complaining about congressional restrictions on handling detainees at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and obstacles to Pentagon cost-saving moves.

The Obama administration said Tuesday that the bill would hamper efforts to reduce unneeded expenses and match the military to the president's defense strategy. The bill blocks another round of military base closings and spares some aircraft.

The House is expected to consider the bill on Wednesday and complete it by week's end.

The bill would bar U.S. funds for the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo amid the congressional outcry over the swap of five Taliban leaders for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.